Blue Line trains shut down after woman falls on subway tracks

CTA cuts power to Chicago station

May 19, 2009

NEAR NORTHWEST SIDE — Blue Line trains bound for Forest Park experienced delays for about 45 minutes Monday afternoon near the Chicago station after a woman fell on the tracks and power was turned off, CTA officials said.

The woman was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

Fire officials did not immediately authorize returning power to the tracks because several passengers may have fled from the trains, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis said.

The woman, who apparently fell about 1:45 p.m., did not appear to have touched the third rail, CTA spokeswoman Katelyn Thrall said.